desire 1 of 2

Definition of desirenext
1
2
3
as in appeal
an earnest request at the delegate's desire, the voice vote on the controversial measure was followed by an actual roll call

Synonyms & Similar Words

desire

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb desire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desire are covet, crave, want, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

Where would covet be a reasonable alternative to desire?

While the synonyms covet and desire are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When might crave be a better fit than desire?

In some situations, the words crave and desire are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When could want be used to replace desire?

The synonyms want and desire are sometimes interchangeable, but want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use wish instead of desire?

The meanings of wish and desire largely overlap; however, wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of desire
Noun
Complicating matters, Alvarez himself has publicly confirmed his desire to leave Atletico and pursue his dream move to Barcelona, having already informed his current club. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 More than just preventing her from posting content, the power outages affected her desire to create at all. Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
Brilliant start undermined The first half hour of the match was played at the pace Ivory Coast desired with Les Elephants using their high press and long passes to consistently put Norway on its heels. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Add desired vegetables and simmer, covered, for the time specified. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • The idea remains fan speculation rather than reported fact, but her announcement history makes the urge to investigate understandable.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Spontaneous and slightly chaotic, this cerebral synergy can bring surprising news or perhaps even trigger the sudden urge to break out of a stagnant situation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Just don’t mistake them for the biggest Fourth of July fans — their passion is history, not patriotic celebrations.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Those in the appeal process will be allowed to once again bill for services as the Department of Human Services reviews their claims; as of June 29, about 321 appeals had been completed.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • It’s located right on Route 66 and has that throwback feel road-trippers crave, with heated outdoor pools, fire pits, loaner bikes, and lawn games.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • For martini drinkers craving bubbles and spritz fans seeking something drier, this is where the two meet.
    Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Mamdani sought to paint a picture of division in the country as a tool of the rich and powerful.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • But Dickinson also sought peace with Britain well after the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord.
    Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • History has shown us that the very celebration of our shared longing for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ensures that those values will endure.
    Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • But what Spiro is writing about in most of these tunes is something a little more interesting than standard loss-and-longing fare.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Photography arrived, kindling an enthusiasm that Baudelaire, ever the cynic, compared to a lust for pornography.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Exploding The Weeknd’s shivery lust with the guttural churn of Deftones, this is toxic codependency music, the perfect soundtrack for Obsession if the movie were more tasteless.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Ahead of the summit, Zelensky is using the attacks on Kyiv to renew his plea for allies to supply Ukraine with missiles for Patriot systems.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on desire

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster